Every year for the past decade, BC Liquor Stores and Molson Coors have worked together to get British Columbians home safely during Halloween.

On a weekend night before Halloween, when many adults attend parties, select BC Liquor Stores partner with Molson Coors to provide $5 taxi vouchers to customers who are planning to ‘cab it’ home. This year, on Oct. 28 from 3-7 p.m., seven of the largest BC Liquor Stores and the two locations near Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia will make 2,000 vouchers available. Customers can redeem the voucher through 1 888 TAXIGUY, a nationwide network of 425 taxicab companies linked together through one toll-free phone number, until Nov. 30, 2016.

Throughout October, BC Liquor Stores displays public information materials near checkouts and in the beer section to remind its estimated three million cutomers – ‘Don’t forget to plan for a safe ride home’.

“BC Liquor Stores has created a strong social responsibility campaign by combining a valuable partnership with Molson Coors with practical taxi vouchers and highly visible information materials in stores that customers can’t miss,” said Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch. “As we continue to modernize B.C.’s liquor laws, the health and safety of British Columbians and keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors are our top priorities.”

According to ICBC, 78 people die on average each year in B.C. as a result of impaired driving. Additionally, 59% of impaired-related crashes happen on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, making the taxi voucher program particularly valuable.

“Our customers are very supportive of our ongoing social responsibility campaigns,” said Blain Lawson, CEO, BC Liquor Distribution Branch. “It is very important that we do our part to encourage people to drink responsibly.”

“Molson Coors is committed to promoting responsible drinking 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Through this partnership with BC Liquor Stores and TAXIGUY, we’re focused on shoppers having a wonderful Halloween and, most importantly, getting home safely,” said Lynda Perovich, Sr. retail manager, Molson Coors Canada.

Quick Facts:

• Over one-quarter of the Liquor Policy Review recommendations focus on protecting health, safety and social responsibility.
• All 10,500 establishments in B.C. licensed to sell or serving liquor must display alcohol-focused social responsibility materials, provided to them by government at no cost, and in a prominent location.
• To increase awareness of the dangers associated with over-consumption or risky behaviour, BC Liquor Stores feature in-store campaigns with strategically-placed messaging. Customer surveys have confirmed these campaigns successfully get people’s attention and encourage them to think about the chosen theme.
• Molson Coors is a founding partner of the TAXIGUY Inc. program which has helped over three million Canadians get home safely since it began in 1998.

Learn More at:

• Liquor Distribution Branch Corporate Social Responsibility Program: http://www.bcldb.com/corporate-social-responsibility
• Alcohol Sense: https://www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca/home/articles/topic/alcohol-sense
• ICBC Impaired Driving Infographic: http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/crashes-happen/impaired-driving/Pages/infographic.aspx